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Name
SEKHOTO Makomane Dorothea Lawretta
Country / Region
South Africa
Graduate School
Science and Engineering
Major
Applied Informatics
Year of Graduation
2023(Master’s degree)
Supervisor
Prof. Akihiro Fujii
Research Theme
Implementation of Unsupervised Machine Learning Techniques for Monitoring Coal Mills at a South African Power Plant
Current Workplace / School (Occupation)
National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA)

Q1 Why did you choose IIST and Hosei University?

I chose IIST and Hosei University because they embody innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact, values that align with my passion for advancing sustainable energy solutions in Africa. IIST’s robust technology-industry connection motivated me to turn data-driven insights into workable solutions. The “Freedom and Progress” tenet of Hosei University aligns with my view of education as a catalyst for transformation and intercultural understanding. When combined, these organizations provide the perfect setting for developing into a forward-thinking professional dedicated to fostering collaboration between Japan and Africa and advancing significant advancements in development and energy.

Q2 What kind of research did you do at IIST? Tell us your future perspective of your research.

My research focused on developing intelligent maintenance strategies for coal mills using advanced machine learning. The study investigated how data-driven models can predict probable equipment failures and distinguish between safe and unsafe operating conditions. I used LSTM-based neural networks, including a CNN+LSTM architecture, for predictive analysis and Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM) for operational clustering. In order to support proactive maintenance planning and promote safer, more effective, and sustainable power plant operations, the results showed how deep learning models can capture intricate temporal patterns.

Q3 How was your campus life? Share with us if you have any episode that left an impression on you.

Campus life was both inspiring and transformative. Under the guidance of Professor Fujii, I gained not only technical knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for research excellence and teamwork. One of the most memorable experiences was our camp engagements, where students and professor connected beyond the classroom to share ideas, culture, and laughter. Those moments reminded me that learning extends far beyond laboratories, it’s about collaboration, curiosity, and human connection. The friendships and mentorship I received truly shaped my confidence and commitment to contribute meaningfully to the global engineering community.

Q4 Give a message to prospective IIST students, including the recommendation points of IIST.

IIST is the ideal setting for you to develop if you have a strong interest in innovation, teamwork, and developing solutions that actually change the world. Within a welcoming academic community, the university provides a distinctive blend of cutting-edge research, experiential learning, and international exchange. You will be inspired to think creatively and beyond the box by committed instructors.

The above information is at the time of the interview.

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